Update 11/10/2024 : Tachograph V2
Mandatory to comply with European rules
The Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor, a vital axis of 4,858 km in length, crosses strategic regions from Finland to Italy, linking important urban centers and ports in Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, and Italy. However, the implementation of Regulation 1054/2020 has generated a series of requirements and penalties for transport companies operating in these countries, especially regarding the installation of the V2 second-generation smart tachograph. In this post, we tell you about the penalties you face if you drive through the countries that cross this Corridor without the second-generation smart tachograph.
The Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor covers an area of 4,858 km and is a North-South axis of great importance for the European economy. Crossing the Baltic Sea from Finland to Sweden and passing through Germany, the Alps and Italy. As you can see, this corridor links the major urban centers and ports of Scandinavia and northern Germany, to continue through the centers of high industrialized production in southern Germany, Austria and northern Italy to Italian ports and Valletta.
All transport companies that carry out international transport must be aware of Regulation 1054/2014 which establishes that from August 21, 2023, vehicles must have a V2 second generation smart tachograph installed.
This device has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology that improves safety and promotes transparency in international transport operations through its new functionalities, including:
- Automatic registration of border crossings.
- Recording of positions in loading and unloading operations.
- New incidents or data to be exchanged with the supervisory authority through the Early Remote Sensing system of possible manipulation or misuse.
- Interface with intelligent transport systems.
The second-generation smart tachograph V2 in international transport operations is a priority for Europe. However, given the possible lack of stock to meet all the demand for vehicle registrations for professional use, it opened the door to applying flexibility in terms of inspection. In fact, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) suggested that the replacement of the V1 smart tachograph with a V2 tachograph in vehicles registered between 21 August 2023 and 31 December 2023 could be extended until 18 August 2025.
This extension of the transition period was intended to facilitate the gradual installation of the new device and ensure that transport operators had sufficient time to comply with European regulations.
However, the countries of the European Union have already taken measures and published the penalties for not driving on their roads with the approved tachograph. Here’s a summary of them:
How are transitional measures for second-generation smart tachograph V2 being implemented in Spain?
In Spain, the following action will be taken:
Vehicles registered for the first time between 21 August and 31 December 2023, under the pre-registration regime, which are equipped with a second-generation tachograph version 1, have until 18 August 2025 to replace it with a second-generation tachograph version 2.
Vehicles registered for the first time between 21 August and 31 December 2023 and which are not included in this extraordinary pre-registration measure, the leniency proposal indicated by DG MOVE of the European Commission may be applied, i.e. they have until 18 August 2025 to replace it with a second-generation tachograph V2.
In the event of a breakdown of a version 1 smart tachograph installed in a vehicle, registered before August 21, 2023, it will have to be replaced by a second-generation smart tachograph V2.
If the mandatory tachograph version is not available, an administrative penalty of 2,001 euros may be applied. In addition, the vehicle may be immobilized and could result in loss of good repute.
How Are Transitional Measures for Second-Generation Smart Tachograph V2 being implemented in France?
In France, exceptional transitional arrangements were adopted for the registration of new vehicles equipped with second-generation version 1 smart tachographs. To this end, a temporary exception measure was added, which allows heavy vehicles with a provisional registration certificate of type WW, valid and established no later than August 20, 2023, to circulate loaded under this provisional registration certificate.
The purpose of these exceptional transitional provisions was to respond to an unprecedented situation of massive influx of registration applications relating to heavy vehicles.
In this context, it should be noted that this instruction specifies that the deadline for obtaining a provisional registration certificate to benefit from its provisions is 20 August 2023. In addition, you must take into account the maximum period of validity of such a provisional registration certificate, which is 6 months. In fact, the exception provided for in this order ends on February 21, 2024.
Forgery of electronic documents or data, providing false information, irregular use, modification of control devices or failure to install the corresponding tachograph is punishable by one year in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros. In addition, your vehicle will be immobilized until the problem has been rectified.
How it is in Italy ?
In Italy, driving a vehicle without an approved tachograph will result in an administrative penalty ranging from €866 to €3,464. In addition, it is associated with a suspension of the driving licence from fifteen days to three months.
Likewise, the owner of the vehicle or transport authorisation can also be sanctioned with a fine ranging from 831 to 3,328 euros and will have to regularize the equipment within 10 days.
How are transitional measures for second-generation smart tachograph V2 being implemented in Slovenia ?
Regarding the introduction of the second-generation smart tachograph V2, the country has strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the European Commission. In this regard, Slovenia has not experienced any significant difficulties in the supply of the new smart tachographs.
In Slovenia, failure to install the relevant tachograph, as provided for in Regulation 1054/2020, carries a significant financial penalty. According to current regulations, drivers who do not have the required smart tachograph can face a fine of up to €1,500.
What about Hungary ?
Failure to have a second-generation smart tachograph V2 installed within the specified timeframes can result in a significant fine in Hungary. According to the regulations, the penalty for this infringement is HUF 800,000, which, at the exchange rate, in euros, represents approximately 2,057.01 euros.
What about Austria ?
Vehicles registered for the first time, from 21 August 2023, used only in domestic traffic, may be equipped with a second-generation tachograph first version until 31 May 2024. In addition, when selling such vehicles, the purchaser must be informed in writing of the obligation to retrofit the tachograph.
Finally, I recommend that you bear in mind that: in Austria, it is expressly stated that this exemption is only applicable in the country, and in international transport, a second-generation tachograph V2 must be installed and used. In Austria, the penalty for not using an approved tachograph ranges from €400 to €5,000.
How are transitional measures for second-generation smart tachograph V2 being implemented in Malta ?
In Malta, failure to comply with tachograph rules is punishable by a fine of €58.23.
We remind you that: when the offence or non-compliance with the rules relating to the tachograph device results, or may be the possible cause of, an offence prosecutable by the Magistrates’ Court (Malta) or (Gozo) in its criminal jurisdiction or by the Criminal Court, the fine will be a civil debt collectible by the Authority at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
How it is in Sweden ?
During the period from 21 August 2023 to 18 August 2025, the Swedish Transport Agency and the Swedish Police Authority will not charge penalties or fines if you use a vehicle registered by 31 December 2023 and equipped with a version 1 smart tachograph, despite the demand for a version 2 smart tachograph.
What about Germany ?
In Germany, vehicles with second-generation tachograph version 1 were allowed to be registered from 21 August 2023 until 31 December 2023, upon request and on the condition that they retrofit the G2 V2 within 24 months.
This circumstance must be included in the registration certificate (24 months from the date of approval), upon presentation of proof by the vehicle manufacturer that the installation of a G2 V2 tachograph was objectively impossible.
Once the 24-month period has elapsed, the authorities must verify compliance with the requirement by asking the owner.
In Germany, failure to have the tachograph installed in accordance with Regulation 1054/2020 is an administrative offence of €1,500.
Conclusion
Driving without an approved tachograph in the Mediterranean Corridor can have severe economic consequences. The penalties imposed in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Sweden, Malta and Hungary are significant, ranging from hefty administrative fines to potentially severe legal repercussions. To avoid such consequences and ensure compliance with European regulation 1054/2014, it is essential to equip vehicles with the second-generation smart tachograph V2.
The implementation of Regulation 1054/2020 has led to significant changes in international transport, especially in the countries that make up the Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor. The penalties for non-compliance with smart tachograph regulations are severe and can affect both the operations and reputation of transport companies. It is crucial to be aware of country-specific deadlines, conditions, and requirements to ensure compliance and avoid adverse legal consequences.
International shipping companies, take note! Make sure you comply with the new European regulations on the V2 smart tachograph and avoid penalties.
Protect your operations and ensure legality on your journeys along the Mediterranean Corridor. Don’t risk being sanctioned!
To find out more
You can find this article on tachograph V2 and others linked to it in our dedicated section, by clicking here: Posting rules for drivers
